Number of people in Wales prosecuted and convicted of stalking offences in 2023
Request
How many people were (i) prosecuted (ii) convicted for stalking offences for the year 2023 (From 01/01/2023–31/12/2023)
In the four Welsh police forces:
- Dyfed Powys
- Gwent
- North Wales
- South Wales
Please break this down into individual forces rather than one total figure.
Additionally, if it’s possible–can I request how many of those were male and how many were female.
Response
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not centrally collate the specific information you have requested. However, the CPS does hold information pertaining to Stalking offences, created by S2A and S4A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, in which a prosecution commenced at magistrates’ court during the calendar year 2023 and this information has been disaggregated by the police force areas requested.
A manual review of all cases referenced above was undertaken and the following information, within the scope of your request was identified: -
Dyfed Powys
In line with the CPS’ retention schedule, seven of the 28 unique reference (URN) cases originating from the Dyfed Powys police force area have been destroyed. A manual review of the remaining 21 cases established that 21 cases related to male defendants and 13 of those defendants were convicted of stalking offences. Of the eight defendants not convicted, seven were convicted of other offences.
Gwent
In line with the CPS’ retention schedule, ten of the 53 URN cases originating from the Gwent police force area have been destroyed. A manual review of the remaining 43 cases established that 42 cases related to male defendants and 29 of those defendants were convicted of stalking offences. Of the 13 defendants not convicted, ten were convicted of other offences. In addition, one case related to a female defendant who was prosecuted for stalking but convicted on other offences.
North Wales
In line with the CPS’ retention schedule, five of the 42 URN cases originating from the North Wales police force area have been destroyed. A manual review of the remaining 37 cases established that 35 cases related to male defendants and 26 of those defendants were convicted of stalking offences. Of the nine defendants not convicted, seven were convicted of other offences. In addition, two cases related to female defendants who were prosecuted for stalking, one was convicted, and one was not.
South Wales
In line with the CPS’ retention schedule, 39 of the 111 URN cases originating from the South Wales police force area have been destroyed. A manual review of the remaining 72 cases established that 69 cases related to male defendants and 48 of those defendants were convicted of stalking offences. Of the 21 defendants not convicted, 18 were convicted of other offences. In addition, three cases related to female defendants who were prosecuted and convicted for stalking offences.